With summer in full swing, many people head outdoors for recreational sports and activities. A few simple precautions can help prevent damage from the sun and decrease the odds of getting skin cancer, the most common form of cancer in the United States.
The two most common types of skin cancer – basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas – are highly curable, but can be disfiguring and costly if not caught early. Melanoma, the third most common skin cancer, is more dangerous and causes the most deaths. The majority of these three types of skin cancer are caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light.
UV rays are an invisible kind of radiation that comes from the sun, tanning beds, and sunlamps. In addition to sunburn, too much exposure to UV rays can change skin texture, cause the skin to age prematurely, and can lead to skin cancer. When UV rays reach the skin’s inner layer, the skin makes more melanin, the pigment that colors the skin. It moves towards the outer layers of skin and becomes visible as a tan. Contrary to popular belief, tan skin does not indicate good health. A tan is the skin’s response to injury, because skin cells signal that UV rays have hurt them by producing more pigment.
A change in the skin is the most common sign of skin cancer. This could be a new growth, a sore that doesn’t heal, or a change in a mole. A simple way to remember the signs of melanoma is to remember the A-B-C-D-Es of melanoma:
- “A” (asymmetrical) – Does the mole or spot have an irregular shape with two parts that look very different?
- “B” (border) – Is the border irregular or jagged?
- “C” (color) – Is the color uneven?
- “D” (diameter) – Is the mole or spot larger than the size of a pea?
- “E” (evolving) – Has the mole or spot changed during the past few weeks or months?
Talk to your doctor if you notice changes in your skin such as a new growth a sore that doesn’t heal, a change in an old growth, or any of the A-B-C-D-Es of melanoma.
People with certain risk factors are more likely than others to develop skin cancer. Risk factors vary for different types of skin cancer, but some general risk factors include:
- Family history of skin cancer
- Personal history of skin cancer
- Lighter natural skin color
- History of sunburns, especially early in life
- History of indoor tanning
- Skin that burns, freckles, reddens easily, or becomes painful in the sun
- Blue or green eyes
- Blond or red hair
- Certain types and a large number of moles
Protection from UV radiation is important all year round. UV rays can reach you on cloudy and hazy days, as well as bright, sunny days. UV rays can also reflect off of surfaces like water, cement, sand and snow. The hours between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. are the most hazardous for UV exposure outdoors in the continental U.S., and greatest during the late spring and early summer.
A few simple precautions can help protect from UV radiation:
- Stay in the shade, especially during midday hours
- Wear clothing that covers your arms and legs
- Wear a hat with a wide brim to shade your face, head, ears, and neck
- Wear sunglasses that wrap around and block both UVA (ultraviolet A) and UVB (ultraviolet B) rays
- Use sunscreen with sun protective factor (SPF) 15 or higher, and UVA and UVB protection
For best protection, apply sunscreen generously 30 minutes before going outdoors. The sun’s UV rays can damage unprotected skin in as little as 15 minutes. Don’t forget to protect ears, nose, lips, and the tops of feet. Make sure to reapply, especially after swimming or exercising. Follow product directions for using products on babies less than 6 months old. All products do not have the same ingredients; if skin reacts badly to one product, try another one or call a health care provider.
For more information about skin cancer and prevention, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.